2.14.2011

I wanted to start Valentines Day off with a lovely, love story and a new print in my shop to go along with it.

About a week ago I got an email from Ruth Schultz, wife of Scott Schultz - the creator of a little known kids show you might have heard of....Yo Gabba Gabba. Ruth had seen my Lovely, Love My Family paper heart cut out I had made for Jon for Christmas and wanted to purchase a print of it for her husband's office. Needless to say I was completely flattered and more than happy to accommodate.

In fact, her request inspired me to take it further and offer several Lovely, Love prints in various colors in my etsy shop.

After hearing from Ruth I later came across this beautiful story about her, her family and more specifically her lovely daughter, Davy. Darling Davy was born with a cleft lip and palate, congenital heart defects and several other conditions. From there I went on to read more about this amazing mother/daughter team on Ruth's own blog, the mom.

It didn't take long for me to fall in love with little Davy and her talented, humorous, gorgeous, and incredibly strong mother, Ruth. Her blog tells the story of Davy's growth, trials and triumphs and is filled with hope amidst weariness, and happiness amidst adversity...all while being shared in Ruth's transparent, down to earth, day-in-the-life-of writing style.

Ruth is also a mother to three happy, healthy, hyper and hilarious boys, Max, Oliver and Harper. Just about every post concerning these little guys makes me smile with familiarity (and I think I've even spotted one or two or all three of them on our favorite little show ;)). Needless to say, Ruth's a busy woman.

After catching up on Ruth and Davy, I knew right away that these Lovely, Love prints had to be for them. It just felt right. So I have decided that the proceeds from all of the Lovely, Love prints in my shop will go to Davy and her family for things such as hospital, medical, and doctor bills, medications, supplies, etc. (something I've since learned that they are always in need of, despite the success of the show). And to kick it off, I've decided to start spreading the love around by offering ONE FREE PRINT with every LOVELY, LOVE print purchase...all week long!! Just indicate which print you want for free in the comment section at check out and I'll be sure to mail them both off to you.

A very Happy Valentines day to all of you!! And get on over to the shop, and start your week off right by sharing a little love.

What a sweet sweet little baby... Mer, let me know when the prints will be on sale again in your shop (or have they all sold out?). What a beautiful sweet thing you're doing for them. And you know how much I love your artworks! Let me know if they're up for sale again.. Thanks so much!

I'm going to order a print!!! I just have to say, I am so touched by this story. My 2 year old son Quinn LOVES Yo Gabba Gabba and was also born with a cleft (lip, unilateral incomplete). I know first hand how difficult it can be, even for a more established family, to work through the expenses involved with helping our little ones. In a way, knowing this about their family now draws me even closer to the show, which I loved enough to begin with in the first place :)

precious! i'm new to your blog and have been endlessly inspired. thank you!! oh - and i saw your prints on etsy's facebook page yesterday (i think) and got so excited as i'd just discovered you last week - love how small the internet makes the world seem :) )

What an awesome thing for you to do! I saw your print on my friend Julie's blog and thought of Ruth (she's in my bunko group). I'm inspired by their story as well. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!